Like a poppier version of New Young Pony club, meets The Jezabels (only not nearly as medicated as the latter), Little Two Eyes are a fragile and explosive dream-pop band from Adelaide. Combining mood driven arrangements with angelic vocals, droning guitars and a gritty live energy, Little Two Eyes have a presence that lingers with you long after you’ve left the venue.
Fronted by the raging soul of Emily Smart on vocals and guitar and complimented by the Bambi tones and backing vocals of her cousin Bella Fyfe, the lush synths/piano of Hamish Cox, and the volatile rhythm section of Matty Nikic on bass and Alex Bishop on drums. After the release of their debut EP All The Things I Never Told You & Why described as “a whirlwind of moody melodies combined with delicate vocals” that “lends itself to the repeat button,” Little Two Eyes returned with the new dream-pop single ‘Rain Music’.
Catch them before they retreat into the studio again to make a new record, with a final tour to Victoria – with one show only happening at The Grace Darling on 1st August, with local friends Nebraskatak & The Give.
We caught up with Emily from the band to discuss their sound, their dream music festival in space, and their musical tastes.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
I remember vividly singing ‘The House of The Rising Sun’ with family whilst mum played the piano and I quite often did weird little recitals I’d put together for my parent’s friends and other family members… this also involved strange interpretive dance moves and some doll/teddybear puppetry.
You must answer this question honestly. What and where was the first gig you went to?
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My first gig was Garbage at the Entertainment Centre in Adelaide. It was their first self-titled album tour, I was 13 and it was awesome.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
I stole Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (one of my all time favourite records!), and also a couple of Beatles albums, mainly spurred by my love of the song ‘Norwegian Wood’.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
I’m loving HAIM right now, so they are pretty much dominating my ears at the moment. I’m also really enjoying The Holidays new single ‘Voices Drifting’.
How do you find new music?
Mainly online or watching Rage. Sometimes I hear something on the radio that I like too and I make notes in my phone so I remember who they are and look it up later online.
You’re hitting Melbourne this week for a show at The Grace Darling on Thursday 1st August, what can we expect from your live show?
Droning guitars covered in lush synth-pop goodness, soft whispers and raging souls, pretty vocal harmonies, a sexy driving rhythm section…. and an overall sense of not-too-serious fun!
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
Our festival would take place in space just above the Earth. Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Tears For Fears, Interpol, and Muse would be the headliners. Anyone can attend (and it wouldn’t be too expensive as somehow the government has subsidised the event) and the attractions would be the incredible views and also a anti-gravity viewing room above the main stage with a glass floor.
Because everyone is doing it, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Personally, I’d love to work with Bertie Blackman. She has a phenomenal voice, fabulous vocal melodies, and all round great songwriting.
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
A David Lynch film.
What is in store for the rest of 2013 for Little Two Eyes?
We have spent many months this year demoing and writing new tunes. After a few more shows to finish off this year, we will be ready to start recording again and hopefully have something new to release in the new year!
Little Two Eyes ‘Forget Me Not’ Tour
Thursday 1st August @ The Grace Darling, Melbourne
with Nebraskatak and The Give
Doors 8.30pm
$10 on the door
Listen to ‘Picasso’ here:
